The New FASHIONIst
The first bride and ceremony trade fair in Istanbul
2018 ended with the first edition of FASHIONIst, the trade show event exclusively dedicated to companies in the wedding sector, held in Istanbul from December 4th to 6th at the CNR Expo Yesilkoy. Ceyda Erem, CEO for CNR Holding, stated that the goal was to make Istanbul one the most import fashion capitals in the world, especially when it comes to bridalwear. Expectations were high. 500 million dollars were invested in this edition, mainly meant to support exports that would, therefore, contribute to an increase in production and expansion, also in new markets, with the acquisition of new buyers. In fact, 700 buyers from the ITKIB (Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporter Associations) and from CNR Holding were invited, including local and international ones (European, American, and Asian).
We asked Ali Bulut, CEO of CNR Expo, what is the Turkish potential for this trade show; if there is an open mentality towards other countries besides those with which Turkey already has good business relations.
The potential is very high. There were approximately one hundred exhibiting companies, mostly national ones, but also a representation from Europe, America, Africa, the Far East, and the Middle East, covering an exhibition area of 30 thousand square meters. Turkey mainly exports to European countries like Germany, Holland, and England, but also African countries, which have excellent potential for Turkey. “There are regions, especially in Africa, where three wedding dresses are worn during one wedding ceremony.” For our next edition, the presence of Azerbaijan is also planned. The Turkish market has creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit but needs support through these first steps. 60% of exports go to EU countries, and many companies come to Fashionist because they want to have the chance to not only open to Europe, but also Russia, the Middle East, and the USA that, for us, is becoming an increasingly important market of reference for brides and weddings.
How does CNR Expo support companies?
CNR Expo, along with the Osmanbey Textiles Business People Association (OTIAD), are an important support for participating companies. In addition to Fashionist, CNR Expo organizes B2B events for companies where they can connect with buyers, participate in workshops and conferences; all activities that create an important network and help in targeting them. The relationships that are created with the companies are active throughout the year. Every day we send emails, surveys, we connect companies, so that they already know who they will meet once they are at the trade show. This gives them enough time to prepare and offers them the required resources, therefore, increasing their return on investment. Several exhibiting companies have also presented fashion shows during the trade show, also thanks to the support of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. Fashion and design schools also have stands and are key partners in certain types of events. At Fashionist, they can find important, more targeted business contacts, which can give them the opportunity to enter the work world and develop their careers in this sector. Especially in this area, schools are very specialized in design, styling, and pattern making.
You decided to have Dilek Hanif show for the opening ceremony. What does she represent for your country?
Dilek Hanif is one of Turkey’s most important designers, and, above all, her brand is an export-oriented brand, therefore, it can be a reference point for other smaller and lesser-known companies. In fact, the collection that showed was Spring-Summer, and it will be exported, not sold nationwide. Dilek Hanif exports luxury collections to European countries such as Italy, Germany, and France, and mainly to countries in the Middle East, distributing them through the Al Tayer Group, the largest luxury retail group in the Middle East, and also Abuissia Holding based in Qatar. This brand is tied to Turkish traditions but with a very international position.
by Dina De Fina
